Sail away with author Margaret Atwood on the Atlantic Canada Explorer voyage

goodreads.com photo

If you're a fervid fan of author Margaret Atwood, come springtime you'll have an opportunity to go out to sea with the internationally acclaimed author. 

Adventure Canada, a travel company headquartered in Missisauga, Ontario, has invited Atwood to be a special guest on the Atlantic Canada Explorer voyage. This isn't Atwood's first time at sea with Adventure Canada, having traveled with them numerous times since 2001 as a staff member and special guest. 

The 12-day adventure in June is aboard the Ocean Endeavour, and includes three East Coast provinces: Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Also on the itinerary is historic Saint-Pierre, a French island located off the coast of Newfoundland. Along with the isle of Miquelon, the two islands are the last pieces of French territory in North America. 

Highlights of the cruise include the famous wild horses of Sable Island; Fortress of Louisbourg; Bay of Fundy; Lunenburg, home of the Blue Nose; and St. John's, Newfoundland. 

Atwood, a two-time Booker Prize-winner, was recently named a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour by Queen Elizabeth for her contributions to literature. While on board the Ocean Endeavour, the Ottawa native will give a special presentation on her latest book, The Testaments. It's the sequel to The Handmaid's Tale. She will talk about the connection between The Testaments and some of the places on the Atlantic Canada Explorer itinerary, including the Bay of Fundy and Campobello Island.

Atlantic Canada Explorer

Expedition Cruise with Special Guest Margaret Atwood

June 15-26, 2020

Rates begin at $3,995

Starts and ends at St. John's, Newfoundland

Chefs for Oceans: Vancouver Chef Ned Bell Cycles Across Canada for Sustainable Seafood

Chef Ned Bell of Vancouver is no stranger to spending hours on a bicycle. On his 40th birthday in 2013, he took off on a 4-day, 900-kilometer bike ride across Vancouver Island. It was all about increasing the awareness of our food system.

But that's a spin around the block compared to the adventure he's beginning July 1, 2014. The Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver and YEW seafood + bar Executive Chef is off on a three-month, cross-Canada journey on his two-wheeler. As the founder of Chefs for Oceans, he's pedaling across the country to support sustainable seafood -- and healthy lakes, rivers and oceans. 

The trip begins July 1 in St. John's, Newfoundland and ends September 11 in Vancouver, BC. Chef Bell will pedal between 140km and 200km each day, and the 7,453km coast-to-coast trip will take 10 weeks to complete. Stopping in major cities along the way, Chef Bell hopes to raise awareness for sustainable seafood through interviews, events and appearances. 

Chef Bell, the father of two sons (Max is pictured above, second from the right), hopes to create a movement that allows Canadians to easily and readily access sustainable seafood. He's also donating a portion of net funds raised from his ride to the Vancouver Aquarium's Ocean Wise program, Sea Choice and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS). Bell is co-founder of the National Sustainable Seafood Day (NSSD) and member of the Chefs Table Society of BC. 

The Chefs for Oceans ride has numerous backers and sponsors, but there's room for more. Individuals and businesses can support the ride by making a donation, signing the NSSD petition, showing up at one of his events this summer or even riding alongside him when he passes through your city. To donate and get up-to-date details of Chef Bell's most amazing bike ride, go to www.chefsforoceans.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @nedbell, hashtag #chefsforoceans.

Black Ice: David Blackwood's Prints of Newfoundland on exhibit in Victoria, BC

Fire Down on the Labrador
Etching and aquatine on wove paper
Gift of David and Anita Blackwood, Port Hope, Ontario - 1999

Newfoundland and Labrador are on my Canadian bucket list, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen in 2013. But I will be in Victoria this summer, and am looking forward to seeing the work of Newfoundlander David Blackwood, one of Canada's leading printmakers and most popular artists. Here's a short film about Blackwood from the National Film Board of Canada (1976). 

Black Ice: David Blackwood's Prints of Newfoundland is a new exhibition that opened May 3 at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Telling the story of Newfoundland's history and the people who settled there, this will be the first opportunity to view it in Western Canada. The exhibition drew large crowds at both the AGO in Toronto in 2011 and last year at The Rooms in St. John's. 

Black Ice showcases some of Blackwood's iconic works for the first time. The artist has been sharing his visual stories of Newfoundland for more than 40 years, exploring the struggle for survival between humans and nature in Newfoundland's harsh climate. 

David Blackwood's etchings are rooted in the artist's home town of Wesleyville, a small Protestant outport in Bonavista Bay on the Cape Freels Peninsula. That's where the son and grandson of fishermen discovered his love of art, both at the local library and in etchings in his family Bible. Blackwood left his hometown at in 1959 at the age of 18, heading west for Toronto and the Ontario College of Art. 

The exhibition features more than 70 prints along with letters, photographs, nautical artifacts, flags and historical maps from the artist's collection. It also provides an in-depth view of Blackwood's 1980 masterpiece, Fire Down on the Labrador (above), which includes preparatory drawings, the original etched copper plate, trial proofs and final impressions. 

Black Ice: David Blackwood's Prints of Newfoundland runs through September 8, 2013 at the AGGV. On July 4 at 7 PM is Blackwood's Visual Narrative Talk with William Gough. The novelist, screenwriter and fellow Newfoundlander will share his poetic insights about the culture and landscape that inspired David Blackwood's prints.

Tourism Ucluelet RV and Knuckles the Whale depart May 1 on Cross-Canada adventure

Tourism Ucluelet's Kick Back & Coast RV

Tourism Ucluelet is going on the road in a unique marketing tour this spring and summer. On May 1, 2013 the Tourism Ucluelet team and Knuckles the Whale are embarking on a two-month cross-country adventure that begins in St. John's, Newfoundland. They'll be traveling across Canada in a diesel powered RV, traveling 10,000km through all ten provinces and stopping at 26 cities and communities along the way. The tour is scheduled to arrive home in Ucluelet on Vancouver Island on June 24, 2013. 

The Tourism Ucluelet RV is a rolling visitors' center that houses videos and information about the wild, west side of Vancouver Island including Ucluelet, Pacific Rim National Park and Barkley Sound. The RV will be stopping at communities during events and festivals, hosting contests and competitions and giving away promotional materials and prizes. 

Knuckles the Whale

The two members of the team (along with Knuckles the Whale) are John and Kathy de Vries, who are excited to showcase their home. "We live in one of of the most beautiful and natural places on the planet," said the couple. "We couldn't be more excited to share the wonders and delights of Ucluelet with as many Canadians as possible." 

During the Canadian road trip, if you spot the Ucluelet RV in your community, snap a photo of it. Plus you can follow the journey on both Facebook and Twitter, and enter for a chance to win a trip to the West Coast. The One Week Ucluelet Adventure Trip is customized to suite the interests of the winner and includes airfare, accommodations, kayaking, spa treatments, surfing lessons, dining, wildlife cruises and tours. Just go to www.kickbackandcoast.com for details.

Summer in Ucluelet. Photo by Sue Frause.

Rick Mercer's five favorite small Canadian towns

The Canadian Tourism Commission's recent e-newsletter has a fun piece by fellow travel writer and friend Michele Sponagle titled TV star Rick Mercer picks his favorite little towns.

I'm happy to report that I've been to four of Rick's fave five towns: Rossland, British Columbia; Churchill, Manitoba; Lunenberg, Nova Scotia; and Tofino, British Columbia.

His fifth pick, Bay Bulls, Newfoundland and the entire province of Newfoundland & Labrador, continue to elude me. It's on my Canadian Bucket List, along with PEI, New Brunswick and Northwest Territories. So what are your favorite little towns in Canada?

Mine include Rick's picks of Churchill and Tofino, along with North Hatley, Quebec; Canmore, Alberta; and a tie between Steveston Village and Courtenay, BC.

On another note, here is the MoneySense list of 35 Best Places to Live in Canada 2012. Did your hometown make the list?

Pictured above is a polar bear near Churchill, Manitoba during my five-day trip hosted by Frontiers North Adventures in November 2011. Photo by Sue Frause.

Canada's Signature Experiences Collection expands to 115 members

Canadian Museum of Civilization's Great Hall in Gatineau, Quebec. 

The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) launched a new marketing program in July 2011 called the Signature Experiences Collection. In an effort to attract more international travelers who are looking for the unique and exotic, the inaugural list was comprised of 48 Canadian tourist highlights. In October 2011, 67 additional tourism enterprises were added, bringing the total to 115 members.

According to the CTC, the collection's tourist attractions are located coast to coast and deliver the authentic experiences that "high spending target customers look for when they choose a vacation destination."  It's all part of Canada's tourism brand, Canada. Keep Exploring, and is being marketed in 11 countries: Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, United Kingdom and the United States. The CTC will incorporate the tourism experiences in its marketing materials via social, print, online and broadcast media.

A second application period for new members begins Nov. 15, 2011 and runs through Dec. 15, 2011. Evaluation and selection will be held Jan. 2-Feb. 29, 2012. Here is a sampling of some of the 115 current members (those marked with * are the newest additions).

Arriving by helicopter at BC's Sonora Resort in Desolation Sound. 

British Columbia: Granville Island Market Tour-Edible British Columbia; Luxury in the Wilderness-Sonora Resort; Canadian Rockies Highlights-Rocky Mountaineer; East Meets West at Echo Valley Ranch-Echo Valley Ranch and Spa*; Blooms, Music and Fireworks!-The Butchart Gardens*.

Taking the elevator to Ranahans restaurant at the Calgary Stampede.

Alberta: The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth-Calgary Stampede; Dinosaurs Unearthed-Royal Tyrell Museum of Paleontology; Soaking up History-Canadian Rockies Hot Springs*; Johnston Canyon Icewalk-Discover Banff Tours*; Paws in the Wilderness-Holiday on Horseback*.

Cadets at Regina's Royal Canadian Mounted Police Heritage Centre.

Saskatchewan: Cypress Hills Cowboy Adventure-Historic Reesor Ranch; Canada's Iconic Mounted Heroes-Royal Canadian Mounted Police Heritage Centre.

Churchill, Manitoba is home to polar bears, belugas and birds.

Manitoba: Marvels of Manitoba-Churchill Nature Tours; Birds, Bears and Belugas-Churchill Wild; Polar Bears by Tundra Buggy-Frontiers North; Hermetic Code Tour of the Manitoba Legislature-Heartland International Travel and Tours; Pathway of the Voyageurs-Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge*; The Lazy Bear Wilderness Expedition-Lazy Bear Lodge*.

Experience "Journey Behind the Falls" at Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Ontario: Unique Sky High Adrenaline Rush-CN Tower; Stimulating the Senses! National Gallery of Canada*; Exploring Canada's flavours in a unique culinary destination-Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa*; A Look Behind the Curtain-Shaw Festival Theatre*; Journey Behind the Falls-Niagara Parks Commission*.

The new Hotel-Musee Premieres Nations is in Wendake, Quebec.

Quebec: The Grand Festival of Winter-Quebec Winter Carnival; Mountain Getaway-Chic-Choc Lodge; All That's Jazz-Montreal International Jazz Festival*;  The Grand Hall Tour-Canadian Museum of Civilization*; Huron-Wendat Heritage on the Edge of Quebec City-Hotel Musee Premieres Nations*.

New Brunswick: Hopewell Rocks and Bay of Fundy Coastal Tour-Roads to Sea Guided Tours; Dive into Acadian Culture-Village Historique Acadien; Lobster Tales-Shediac Bay Cruises; Life in 19th Century New Brunswick-Kings Landing Historical Settlement*.

Beer and history at Alexander Keith's Brewery in Halifax. 

Nova Scotia: Step Back in Time to the Birthplace of Great Beer-Alexander Keith's Brewery; History on High: Halifax Citadel-the Halifax Citadel National Historic City of Canada; Cape Breton Island Multi-Sport Kayak, Bike and Hike-Freewheeling Adventures; Tidal Bore River Rafting and Mud Sliding-Schubenacadie Tidal Bore Rafting Park and Cottages; Celebrate Celtic Music Throughout Cape Breton-Celtic Colours International Festival*.

Prince Edward Island: Tong and Shuck-Future Seafoods Inc/Experiences PEI; Giant Bar Clam Dig Adventure-Tranquility Cove Adventures.

Newfoundland and Labrador: Sagas and Shadows-L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site of Canada; A Guided Adventure on Your Own-CapeRace; The Iceberg Quest-Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours*; Picnic with the Whales-Gatherall's Puffin & Whale Watch*; Adventures and Mysteries in the Torngat Mountains-Torngat Mountains Base Camp & Research Station*.

Yukon: Through the Last Great Gold Rush of 1898-Klondike National Historic Sites of Canada; Alsek and Nahanni River Rafting Adventure-Canadian River Expeditions/Nahanni River Adventures; Yukon Aurora Tours-Northern Tales Travel Services Ltd.*; Summer Solstice Eco-Yurt & Yukon Biking Adventure-Bzoreale Mountain Biking*.

Northwest Territories: Aurora Wonderland by Dogsled-Beck's Kennels; Lodge Life and Cultural Traditions-Yellow Dog Lodge.

Nunavut: Cruising Adventures Redefined-Adventure Canada; Narwhal & Polar Bear Adventure on the FloeEdge-Arctic Kingdom Polar Expeditions*; Living the Inuit Lifestyle-Carrefour Nunavut*; A Polar Bear Adventure-The Great Canadian Travel Company.

The Fairmont Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City is a Canadian icon.

National: Historic Railway Hotels-Fairmont Hotels and Resorts; Trans-Canada Experience on The Canadia-VIA Rail Canada.

Photos by Sue Frause

Gander, Newfoundland pays tribute to its role in 9/11

Photo courtesy Mark G. Pakaluk

"On September 11, 2001, 39 heavy aircraft were diverted to Gander International Airport when airspace was closed in the United States because of tragic terrorist hijackings. Runway 13/31 was converted to a temporary aircraft parking ramp. The airport terminal was turned into an aid centre as food and clothing was distributed to stranded passengers. The airport and its surrounding community afterwards received high praise for their response to the tragedy."

That's from the main page of Gander International Airport's website. Ten years ago, the airport and community of Gander were a beacon of light for the "plane people" -- the 6,579 airline passengers and crew members who were stranded in Newfoundland on Sept. 11, 2001 and for the days following the tragedy known forever as 9/11.

A decade later, Gander is being remembered for its generosity and kindness, from Peter Greenberg's piece on CBS to President Obama praising the people of Central Newfoundland. And the community and its residents are also remembering. There are many events this weekend, including a Beyond Words Tribute Concert  at the Gander Community Centre featuring Mick Davis & His Skinny Jims, The Navigators, Shanneyganock and Blue Eyed Blonde.

A group of amateur radio operators from Central Newfoundland will be on the air Sept. 10-11, using the call sign of VO1GAM9, a special event call sign that will commemorate to ham radio operators around the world the role that Gander played in 9/11.

I've never been to Gander, a town of nearly 10,000 people located on the northeastern part of the island of Newfoundland. In fact, I've never been to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and it's next on my Canadian bucket list. I found it interesting that many of the streets in Gander are named after such famous aviators as Amelia Earhart, Marc Garneau (Canada's first NASA Space shuttle astronaut), Charles Lindbergh,  the Wright Brothers and Chuck Yeager.

Cupids, Canada's first English settlement, celebrates 400th anniversary

To celebrate the 400th anniversary of Cupids, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada Post has created a commemorative stamp. Cupids was the first English settlement in what is now Canada. The stamp was unveiled by Canada Post and community representatives on August 17, 2010 at the Cupids Legacy Centre.

I've never heard of Cupids before, but it's obviously been around awhile. In August of 1610, English colonists led by Bristol merchant John Guy arrived at Cupids. Located on the north side of Conception Bay on Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula, the colonists established an English settlement on the site.

In 1995, evidence of their colony was uncovered by a team led by archaeologist William Gilbert from the Baccalieu Trail Heritage Corporation. Since then, the remains of six early 17th-century structures and more than 147,000 artifacts have been unearthed.

The Cupids 1610-2010 stamp features a portion of a 17th-century map of the Avalon Peninsula; this was the first map to show Cupids' location. The coins, glass and rare amber beads on the stamp are images of the uncovered artifacts and highlight the commercial rationale for the settlement.

Steven Slipp of Semaphor Design was the stamp's designer, and attended the unveiling. The ceremony is one of many special occasions to mark the anniversary hosted by Cupids 400 Inc.

Canada Post is printing 1.75 million Cupids stamps with a value of 57 cents, which is the domestic letter rate. Each stamp is 40 mm x 32 mm. The official first day cover cancellation will read Cupids, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Newfoundland: If God Made Heaven Here (video)

Newfoundland and Labrador are on my Canadian bucket list!

Cool recipes for Grout Buns and Kamikaze Cocktails!

For whatever reason, today my email box contained two references to Canadian cusine.

One was from a foodie friend here on the island (he's even written a cookbook) that gives me a hard time about (a) being of Scandahoovian descent and supposedly only eating white-colored food and (b) being a Closet Canuck.

He sent me a recipe for Grout Buns that he found in an unnamed Canadian publication. Grout buns? The description says it's "a traditional recipe from Newfoundland and is often taken for lunches while fishing. Good warm or cold." So here ya go!

Grout Buns
3 c. flour
1 t. salt
3 T. sugar
1 c. butter
2 beaten eggs
6 T. sour cream
1 pkg. yeast
1/4 c. water
1 t. sugar

Mix as you would pie dough and place in fridge for 2 hours or overnight. Roll dough 1/4" or less thick. Cut into 2-3" squares and fill with meat mixture. Make into a ball and let rise for 1/2 hour. Bake at 350F for 20 minutes or until lightly brown.

Meat Mixture

1 lb. hamburger meat
1 onion chopped
1/3 head cabbage chopped
1/3 stalk celery
Salt and pepper to taste

Fry all together, drain and cool thoroughly before putting in dough.

And just in time to wash it all down, Cookin' Canuck to the rescue! I subscribe to this fun food blog since after all, we have the same last name.

Dara Michalski is the author of Cookin' Canuck, and her latest recipe is for a Kamikaze Cocktail or Shot. Let the weekend begin, one shot at a time!

FRANK is the restaurant at Toronto's Art Gallery of Ontario where I enjoyed a Waldorf Salad, Pommes Frites and Rose Wine. Sue Frause photo.

Great Canadian Hotels: Hot rates, free nights

A group of Canadian hotels is offering some pretty hot rates this summer -- including free nights.

Great Canadian Hotels, made up of two dozen hotels across Canada, is hoping its guests will Wake up to Canada.

The special promotion begins June 1, 2010 and runs through Sept. 8, 2010. If you book for two or more nights, you'll receive a travel voucher for a free night for your next stay. The vouchers are transferable and may be given to family and/or friends if your travels don't take you back to that particular property.

Nightly hotel rates start at $89 and include such popular vacation destinations as Edmonton from $95; Quebec City from $109; Ottawa from $119; and Victoria from $125.

As an added incentive, if you book by June 30, 2010 you'll receive a $40 food and beverage credit for use in the hotel restaurant, lounge or room service.

Hotel Tadoussac in Tadoussac, Quebec is one of 24 Great Canadian Hotels. Read more about the hotel and historic chapel (Canada's oldest) in one of my previous blog posts. Photo by Sue Frause.

Canada celebrates 40 years of Earth Day on April 22

Earth Day celebration on Whidbey Island, Washington
Photo by Sue Frause

Canadians, along with other eco-conscious citizens of the world, will be celebrating Earth Day on April 22. 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, and the 20th anniversary of Earth Day Canada. Across Canada, there are numerous events. Here are just a few, from west to east:

Victoria, BC: Earth Walk 2010 - The family friendly event invites people to assemble at the BC Legislature grounds at noon on Saturday, April 24 for the 12:30 PM parade. The short route will be along Government Street to Centennial Square, where there will be information booths by grassroots organizations, along with live music. There are dozens of other Earth Day events around the province.

Calgary, Alberta: Earth Week Book Swap - The David Suzuki Foundation Book Club is hosting the book swap at local coffee shops across Canada, including Higher Ground in Calgary. From 6-9 PM on Thursday, April 22. Bring in your books to swap with other locals (and bring your own mug for a free coffee or tea).

Craik, Saskatchewan: Earth Day Film Festival - Held April 23-25 and sponsored by the Saskatchewan Eco Network. The Craik Sustainable Living Project is located here.

Winnipeg, Manitoba: Green Knitting - Who knew there was such a thing? Attend a lecture by Joanne Seiff on April 22 at 7 PM at the Manitoba Crafts Museuma and Library. Seiff is a long-time knitter who authored the book Knit Green: 20 Projects and Ideas for Sustainability.

Oakville, Ontario: Earth Week Clean Up of Oakville Waterways and Green Spaces - Now in its 19th year, community members clean up 30+ nature sites. Bags and gloves are donated by the Town of Oakville. Raffle prizes!

Quebec: Free transit rides - Ride two for one on April 22 on buses, trains and subways in Quebec's urban centers.

Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia: Sackville River Fishway Cleanup - On Saturday, April 24, help clean out the rocks and debris that have washed into the fishway over the winter. The fishway helps Atlantic salmon reach important habitat in the Sackville River Watershed. 9AM-2PM.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island: Climate Change Networking Session - Held at the University of PEI, the day includes presentations on the latest developments and research on climate change mitigation and adaptation on Prince Edward Island.

St. John's, Newfoundland - Earth Day Fair at the Fluvarium: The Earth Day celebration on April 22 will show people how to make simple changes to reduce your impact on the Earth.

JUNOs: Michael Bublé beats out Justin Bieber

Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea will be among the presenters at the 2010 JUNO Awards. He's pictured here during a Caribbean cruise in 2008. Photo by Sue Frause.

I'm disappointed that CTV is broadcasting the JUNO Awards on Sunday, April 18, 2010. As with the 2010 Winter Olympics, my TV doesn't get CTV -- only CBC.

The JUNO Awards are the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy Awards in the US. Last night in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, the 2010 JUNO Gala Dinner & Awards were held. The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) honored 32 new JUNO Award winners during an evening saluting the best of Canadian music.

I was pleased that Burnaby, BC "boy" Michael Bublé beat out tween heart throb Justin Bieber. Bublé's chart topping Crazy Love won Pop Album of the Year.

The JUNO Gala was the prelude to CTV’s nationally televised broadcast of THE 2010 JUNO AWARDS at Mile One Centre, where seven remaining JUNO Awards will be presented. Performers on the Sunday night broadcast include both Bublé and Bieber, along with Billy Talent; Blue Rodeo; Classified; Drake; Great Lake Swimmers; K'naan; Metric and Johnny Reid. Bryan Adams will receive the Alan Waters Humanitarian Award.

Wanna see what's in the performers and presenters swag bag? Click here. And CBS is broadcasting the 45th Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, April 18 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Canuck Humour: Apologies to Newfoundland (and Mac the Moose in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan)

Mac the Moose in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Photo by Sue Frause

Seamus and Jimmy, two Newfoundlanders, got a pilot to fly them in to Labrador to hunt moose. They had great luck, and managed to bag six. As they were loading up the plane to return, the pilot said the plane could take only four moose. The two lads objected strongly.

"Last year we shot six," said Seamus. "The pilot let us take them all, and he had the same plane as yours."

Reluctantly, the pilot gave in and all six moose were loaded. However, even on full power, the little plane couldn't handle the load and went down. Somehow, surrounded by the moose bodies, Seamus and Jimmy survived the crash.

After climbing out of the wreckage, Seamus asked Jimmy, "Any idea where we are?" Jimmy replied, "I think we're pretty close to where we crashed last year."

More reasons to visit Newfoundland include boutique hotels in St. John's

I've yet to visit Newfoundland, and now there are no more excuses ... with four boutique properties that have opened in St. John's in the past five years, there are plenty of posh places to stay.

As the oldest English-founded settlement in North America, St. John's is known as the City of Legends, and each summer it serves up an 11-day party called St. John's Time. It includes the George Street Festival, Royal St. John's Regatta, the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival and the Buskers Festival. St. John's Time runs from July 31-August 10. Here are some of St. John's hotels:

• The Ryan Mansion dates from the early 20^th century, and after a two-year restoration, the 5 Star Canada Select Queen Anne style property reopened in 2007. The six guest rooms all have fireplaces along with baths featuring heated marble floors, two-person Jacuzzi tubs, plasma TV’s in the bedroom and bath, Frette linens and toiletries by L’Occitane en Provence. The mansion has a connection to the Titanic. Built during the same time period, the mansion’s grand staircase is said to be carved by the same European craftsmen as that of the ocean liner which sank in the waters of Newfoundland in 1912. The Ryan Mansion is offering special dinners featuring the Titanic menu served on the ship’s fateful last evening, presented on finely-crafted British replicas of the Titanic china. Rates are $184 to $481. 
• The newest addition to St. John’s hotel scene is The Peninsula, located at the foot of Signal Hill and an easy stroll to downtown. It features 11 rooms in 10 brownstones, along with 30 one-bedroom condos that will open later this summer. Designed in a sleek and contemporary style, the rooms feature queen-size beds dressed with Porthault linens, plasma TV and deep soaking tubs in some of the rooms. The room rate includes complimentary continental breakfast, free local and national newspapers, free local and long distance calls and high-speed Internet access. Rates are $108-$158.
• The Beach House is an intimate seaside getaway ten minutes from St. John’s. Most of the ten suites and three cottages offer sea-views and patios or sun decks. Amenities include flat screen TVs, DVDs and marble baths with rain showers. Rates are $118-$317.
• Blue On Water is located on Water Street, the oldest street in North America. With just seven rooms, guests receive service amidst the elegant contemporary décor. Amenities include high-speed Internet access, 400-thread count linens and CD and DVD players. Rates are $138-$167.
• Murray Premises Hotel is in an 1850's mercantile building overlooking the entrance to St. John's harbour. Amenities in the 28-room boutique hotel include plasma TVs, oversized Jacuzzi tubs, heated floors and complimentary parking. Rates are $138-$247.
• The Spa at the Monastery and Suites is a 5 Star Canada Select property with 25 rooms and two suites. Amenities include fireplaces, double Jacuzzis, king-size beds and high-speed Internet access. The on-site spa offers treatments ranging from Reiki and Ayurvedic massage to chemical peels and botox; soaking pools including one with warm sea water and an iceberg pool. Rates are $128-$496.
• The Franklin Hotel has ten sleek and expansive rooms in a historic building. Amenities include flat screen TV’s, bath with rain shower, high-speed Internet and a sun deck. Rates are $99-$198.

Bike and walk to see the world

Butterfield & Robinson, a Toronto-based touring company, has been in business since 1966.

The Canadian company specializes in biking and hiking trips, offering 90 itineraries in 60 destinations around the world.

I went on my first group bike trip in France with my husband and two friends several years ago. We found it to be a fun way to see a place from the inside out.

Not to mention being able to indulge in all of the fine food and wine of the region -- plus stay fit while on the road.

Here are Butterfield & Robinson's latest Canadian offerings:

Québec Biking

Québec is a predominantly French-speaking province on Canadian soil. On B&R’s five-star and five-night trip, a rendezvous and overnight at Le St-James in Montréal begins the trip. Then it's two nights in the Eastern Townships at the lovely Hovey Manor in North Hatley, followed by two nights at Québec City's elegantly rustic Auberge St. Antoine. Quebec City is celebrating its 400th anniversary this year so expect more than the usual joie de'vrie!

Gulf Islands Biking

Located off mainland BC, Canada’s Gulf Islands offer a haven of quiet roads and scenic vistas. The cycling routes take advantage of such designated bike paths as the Galloping Goose Trail and the Trans Canada, while stops along the way take in local wineries, cheese makers and artisans’ shops. The trip begins with a seaplane flight from Vancouver to Saturna Island, with stops on Galiano and Vancouver islands. Accommodations during the six-night trip are at Galiano Inn & Spa, Brentwood Bay Lodge and the award winning Sooke Harbour House on Vancouver Island.

Newfoundland Walking

Newfoundland is that quirky, isolated Atlantic isle as famous for its fun-loving inhabitants as for its cod fishery. Coastal walking trails are among the best on the continent, while a sunset paddle can find a kayaker face-to-face with a whale. Other highlights of the B&R journey include a scenic flight over Gros Morne National Park, a traditional mussel “boil up,” a visit to the site of the first Viking landing 1,000 years ago and a stay at The Lighthouse on Quirpon Island. Other accommodations include Strawberry Hill Resort overlooking the Humber River and Fishers’ Loft in Trinity Bay.

Biking in France's Loire Valley in 2005: Sue Frause, Bob Frause, Sandra Jean Wainwright and Victoria Locke

The Globe and Mail: Top 10 Home, Sweet Wonders

Ninstints in Gwaii Haanas, British Columbia.
Photo by Sue Frause.

The Globe and Mail ran a travel feature about top spots around the world titled 10 places to check out (before you check out). I haven't been to any of them.

But they also did destinations closer to home called Top 10 Home, Sweet Wonders. I did better on the Canadian list, having been to Montreal, the Broken Islands, Ninstints and the Rideau Canal. Here is their list:

HOME HOPEWELL ROCKS, NEW BRUNSWICK

The Bay of Fundy, featuring the highest tides in the world, is a marine wonder. For me, the most dramatic place to appreciate this force of nature is at the Hopewell Rocks. The 90 billion tonnes of water that move in and out of the bay twice a day have carved cliffs into dramatic pillars. Where else can you walk on the ocean floor at low tide, and then watch from observation decks as the incoming water rises again? Laszlo Buhasz

DAWSON CITY, YUKON

Once a raunchy frontier town of shacks, saloons and brothels, the capital of the Klondike Gold Rush had 40,000 people swarming it in 1896. Now, the lively little town of about 2,000 in the land of the midnight sun lives off its colourful past and is full of eccentrics, fiddle music, festivals and bearded men reciting Robert Service poetry. Laurie Gough

MONTREAL, QUEBEC

Montreal, during a summer festival of your choice, is a model for urban Canadian living. Why no other major Canadian city has properly exported it remains a mystery. (Hint: the key is shutting down the streets completely and allowing people to carry their drinks to the next venue). Chris Turner

CHURCHILL RIVER, SASKATCHEWAN

The main highway of the fur trade and exploration on which everyone from Sir John Franklin to Simon Fraser and David Thompson paddled was the voyageurs' pick as the most beautiful section of the entire Montreal to Athabasca route. It's still that way today. Jason Schoonover

BROKEN ISLAND GROUP, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Off the west coast of Vancouver Island lies a pristine archipelago of about 100 islands and rocky outcrops that beg to be explored by paddle. A labyrinth of lagoons and channels passes through a landscape of wind-sculpted rock, weathered cedar, and pristine beaches. Don't be surprised to find yourself sharing the sheltered waters with whales, sea lions and seals. Julie Angus

NINSTINTS, GWAII HAANAS, BRITISH COLUMBIA

This tiny abandoned B.C. fishing village of decaying houses and weathered totem poles, which are slowly being reclaimed by the surrounding forest, is animated by the spirit world of Haida myth. Norman Howe

RIDEAU CANAL, OTTAWA

The best way to experience the canal is on skates. Get up early on a cold winter morning and skate its length when it's quiet and uncrowded. Anthony Jenkins

CAPE ST. MARY'S, NEWFOUNDLAND

It is best to walk the trail to Bird Rock, Cape St. Mary's, in a fog. The trail skirts bogs and brooks and sheer cliffs that plunge to the sea. You can hear the Atlantic booming, and as you near the Rock you can see ghostly swirling shapes and then hear the cacophony of gannets, kittiwakes, murres, razorbills and more. Marq de Villiers

ELLESMERE ISLAND, NUNAVUT

Ellesmere Island is as far north as you can go in Canada. When the ice melts for the brief summer, the sun – perpetually at the horizon – reveals green Arctic meadows alive with tiny wildflowers and a contented silence the rest of the world has lost. Wallace Immen

LAKE O'HARA, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Cupped like a jewel between Rocky Mountain peaks, the lake's setting belies the fragility of this environment. Access to a small campground and a rustic lodge, as well as day use, is limited. But even a day trip provides a remarkable alpine experience. Laszlo Buhasz